Category: Around Town

If not, I’d like to insert it into my morning mantra. “Snow no more maggedon!”

As a Michigan girl, I’ve been through my fair share of winters! I won’t tell you how many but it’s been a few. So when the weather man told us we were getting snow (on top of snow) there was no widespread panic. That is until the term “polar vortex” got involved! Seriously, mass hysteria is quite the understatement! Once we heard the temperature would be below zero and windchills would be in the -40 range…it was time to freak out a bit!

This was Monday night in Canton, Michigan.

Yes, yes that does say NEGATIVE 13 with a windchill of NEGATIVE 42! This isn’t some sort of trick…it happened people! Fast forward three days, 12+ inches of snow, negative degrees, and a fridge that was nearing empty…we ventured out into the wild!

Here’s what we saw…

As you can see…we’re still digging out from under feet of snow and a deep freeze!

Besides pics of my nails, Starbucks Discoveries Caramel Macchiato (my fave instant cold coffee), and the pink dress pic…. I have the slightest idea how the rest of these pics happened! My best guess? I was about to take a picture but the button accidentally got pressed before the actual pic. Makes sense to me. I might be a good candidate for the evidence department at the police station because, clearly things are kept very well around here!

Anywho…this may become a regular post every Wednesday because I’m sure there’s tons more “oops” pics in both of my phones and digital cam!

It’s that time of year!! In just a few days we’ll bask in the glow of a night lit sky filled with fireworks and a day off! Whether you have plans to stay in town or take a nice vacation, you can have fun either way! The Fourth of July is always a fun time of year to spend time outdoors with family and friends (even for a person who’s allergic to grass and trees like me.) Whether you’re old or young, there’s something for everyone. I put together a list of the things you’ll need for the perfect July 4th and an awesome night. Ready? Let’s go!

You can have a little peace and quiet by yourself or you can turn up with your closest friends and do it big! (insert your mother speaking) Be responsible, don’t drink and drive and please for the love of God, wear sunscreen!

I don’t care who doesn’t like flip flops, they are the cutest and quickest way to get out of the house in the summer time. Thankfully, if you don’t like the rubber or foam flip flops, you can always opt for a more “grown-up” pair of sandals. Just make sure your toesies are done!!

Because…if you have great hair, you’re bound to have a great day!! These hair ties and products are summer perfect! I have long, thick and curly hair…if you’re anything like me, hair is a hassle in the summer. So take your pick and style it up!

If you have dark, deep, or fair skin, a bronzer will give you a glow no matter what. I personally use Bare Minerals products which work very well for my deeper tone. Treat yo’self and give your skin a sun kissed glow.

Beach & Pool Accessories seems like a no brainer but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten something important….like a towel! You can’t go to a pool party or the beach without a big soft towel. Be sure that it’s one you can wrap around you when you don’t want to “air dry”

No self respecting Fourth of July bash is complete without barbeque! Ladies, just in case there isn’t a sexy shirtless man around to grill up a kielbasa for you….you’re gonna need a grill of your own. Thankfully, we’re not in the stone age anymore and they actually make pretty stylish outdoor cookware these days…so stylish that you won’t need fire for some models!

Are you ready for some football? With the super bowl right around the corner, it’s time to get the party planning percolating! Now that we finally know who’ll be playing to win the Tiffany Trophy aka The Vince Lombardi Trophy bka The Superbowl, we’re going to switch gears from high fashion to hot athletes. Well, maybe on the next post!On Sunday, February 3rd, the NFL will have a new champion between the San Francisco 49’ers and the Baltimore Ravens. Jokingly referred to as “The Harbowl” seeing as though the two head coaches of each team are actually BROTHERS! Yes, you read that right, Jim Harbaugh, the head coach for the Niners and John Harbaugh, the head coach for the Ravens are real life brothers. The siblings will coach AGAINST each other for this years championship!

Are you planning a Super Bowl party, going to one or will your hubby/boyfriend/partner/person who sometimes sleeps next to you and snores through the night, throwing or invited to a bowl bash? I’ve got a few things in store for you! Whether you’re going to a touchdown party or becoming the host for one, check out a few things you’re going to need.

There’s nothing like some good tasting, finger licking, taste bud appeasing foods to nibble on while watching the big game. From appetizers to dessert, I’ve got you covered with some fun-to-try treats. Now, I have to warn you, these aren’t for anyone who may be dieting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Split the kielbasa in half lengthwise and then cut each half into six 3/4-inch pieces, slicing on an angle. Cook the pieces in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the skin is crisped and some of the fat has been released, about 5 minutes. Transfer the kielbasa to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

On a lightly floured surface, roll one piece of puff pastry out to form an 8- by 11-inch rectangle. Using a 3 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 6 circles from the pastry; cut the circles out as close together as possible and reserve the scraps. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.

Wrap a circle of puff pastry around each of a kielbasa, pinching the seams together to seal all the way around so no kielbasa is exposed and gently pulling on the ends to make a tapered football shape. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, seam-side down, and repeat with the remaining pastry and sausage.

Brush the rolled sausages with the beaten egg. Use bits of the pastry scraps to make laces on each “football” by placing 1 strip lengthwise on top of each and laying 3 smaller strip crosswise over it. Press down gently to adhere and brush the laces with a bit more egg.

Bake until the pastry is browned and crisped, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve the pigskins with mustard for dipping.

Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix the lime zest and 3/4 teaspoon salt together. Working in batches, fry the tortilla wedges until golden and crisp, about 1 minute, and transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet with a slotted spoon. Sprinkle the chips with the lime salt while they are still hot. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a 10-inch cast-iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, jalapeno and a pinch of salt and cook until the onions just start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the beer and cook until all the liquid has evaporated, about 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Toss the muenster and Cheddar together and add them to the skillet. Stir once or twice to combine.

When ready to serve, preheat the broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned on top, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve hot with the chips.

Cook’s Note: Although this cheesy dip should be eaten fresh from the oven, you can have everything ready to go before your guests arrive. You can fry, season and cool the chips and store them for 2 to 3 hours in an airtight container. Cook the vegetables and reduce the beer, then remove the skillet from the heat. Grate your cheeses and combine them. When you’re ready to serve, stir the cheese into the vegetables, broil and enjoy.

Makes one 8×8 pan | Preparation: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line pan with a foil sling.INGREDIENTS:8oz. cookie dough (ready-made or homemade)16 Oreos12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature1/3 cup sugar1 egg1 teaspoon vanillaTopping3 oz.Whoppers, chopped5 Oreos, choppedINSTRUCTIONS:Roll out or using your fingers, press cookie dough to an 1/8 inch thickness and bake until crisp. Place whole Oreos on top of baked cookie crust.To make cheesecake filling: Place cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla in a bowl and beat until blended. Pour mixture over Oreos.Sprinkle chopped Oreos and Whoppers on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting.*This can be prepared 3 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator tightly covered. Remove from refrigerator 20-30 minutes prior to serving. (Cut while cold for bars with nice clean edges).

Preheat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Pierce each candy bar with a pop stick, place on the prepared baking sheet, and refrigerate 30 minutes.Whisk all batter ingredients until little to no lumps remain. One at a time, dip chilled candy bars in batter and coat well.Once oil reaches 390°F, carefully place candy bars in oil one at a time and fry about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel, sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and serve hot.

3 tablespoons butter or margarine1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallowsOR4 cups miniature marshmallows1/2 cup peanut butter6 cups Kellogg’s® Cocoa Krispies® cerealCanned frosting or decorating gelWhy use Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies®?1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until melted. 2. Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.3. Cool slightly. Using buttered hands shape mixture into sixteen 3-inch footballs. Decorate with frosting. Best if served the same day.MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add peanut butter, stirring until melted. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.NoteFor best results, use fresh marshmallows.1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme can be substituted for marshmallows.Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in single layer on wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

For an entire week my mind was freaking insane! My laptop crashed and it kept crashing (hence why this post is a few days later than I expected) it took a little over a full day to get it fixed by yours truly. Good to know I can remember how to get myself out of a random tech jam. Before I could even finish this sentence, it crashed again *sigh* Just hope this doesn’t mean I’ll be in the market for a new laptop soon…fingers crossed. Besides that glitch in the matrix (literally) I got a chance to take in the sights of the auto show.

Thanks to WXYZ Detroit (Channel 7) and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) I was able to attend an Industry Preview before the doors opened to the public. Can you imagine? A sneak peek at all the cars and exhibits while everything is fresh and new OH and still intact! This was perfect timing for me to break out my Christmas gift, test drive it and snap some amazing shots! Ok, LOTS of amazing shots! You can see all the snap happy pics I took right on my Facebook page that you already liked, you did like it already, right?! Curves And Coffee on Facebook

With all the photos of shiny new cars, I decided to try a fashion experiment All is fair in love, cars and fashion! The pics came out so well that the true colors of the cars popped out at you immediately. That of course, only meant one thing, focus in on the great styles that would match the vehicles. Take a stroll through NAIAS with a fashion and style obsessed curvy shopaholic.

Ahh that was fun! It was like shopping at the mall and shopping for cars all at the same time! As with everything, all items featured in my Polyvore sets are for those with dangerous curves. Don’t be scared to experiment with color, as you can see, I had lots of fun mixing and matching bright colors in all the outfits. Just gotta find something you like and put your foot on the pedal and accelerate!

You’re thinking…it IS Halloween! Well, that’s true but what if you’re really not that into Halloween, now you’re wondering what you’re going to do. You could be like me and just sick of looking at everyone’s pictures of how drunk they were at this costume party over the weekend *cough cough* Instagram.

If you’re in Michigan…we tend to be lucky this time of year because there are sooo many things for us to do in the fall. Especially if you have kids in your house! That’s kind of where I’m limited for certain fall activities…I’m rugrat free which I love dearly! It’s just me and my furry babies.

Anywho, when I was younger and even occasionally now, we (as in my family or school field trips as a kid) would take trips to the apple orchard and cider mills. Talking about a 9 out of 10 on the fun-o-meter! Ok, that was an exaggeration but it is something cool to do that isn’t the normal weekend shopping, pizza party or

A few things to do that aren’t costume related…unless you have one of those kids that like to wear a fireman’s hat or a princess tutu everyday. I see those kids quite often…I’m positive I’ll have one that likes to wear rain boots in the middle of July. Haha, I’m rambling!

Aww look at mamas baby! That there is the love of my life… Chipper Jones. Yes, I love my Atlanta Braves and Larry Wayne Jones so much I named my dog after him! Call me crazy or just a fan but you know you can’t resist that face! Besides that loveable beagle face, those were my “credentials” and name tag…

Around this time last Saturday, I had the privilege of volunteering my time to helping shelter animals. I am a true pet lover indeed! As mentioned in “Around Town” the 5th Annual Paws in the Park is an one day event to raise money for Michigan’s shelter animals. Gotta say, had a total blast! Can’t wait for next years event!

Here are a couple of pics I managed to snag while dogs strutted their stuff on the catwalk for the costume contest:

If there was one thing I could complain about, it would be my lack of photos from the event! As someone that was helping, I wasn’t able to snap as many pics as I would’ve liked. Assigned to the games, contests and prizes area, I became a judge for the many events for dogs and their owners. Now, I love my dog and cat buuuuut you won’t see me dancing and dressing them up (in public) someone could see me haha! Anywho, these animal lovers did just the opposite!

Volunteering is one of lifes greatest joys (next to shopping and maybe sex lol) but if you are able and have the time, do it! Find places in your area and give some time. Some places may not advertise they need help but the chances of them turning you away are pretty slim. If it really isn’t your “thing” try searching for something you like doing and go from there. Truly warms your heart and helps that whole karma cosmic cosmos thing 🙂

It’s officially the weekend!!! After 5pm on Friday, what are you going to do? Well, besides take a nap and do some online shopping of course! The weather is finally feeling like Fall and it’s raining here in Michigan. I have an elaborate weekend planned that entails washing the curly-thick-long-craziness that is my hair. Oh, and I’ll also be outside! As a pet lover, I enjoy helping out whenever I can. So when I heard a local non-profit animal rescue place needed volunteers, I hopped on it! PAWS of Michigan will be in the park aka Paws in the Park…. Fun tail-wagging times shall be had by all!